Starry Internet: can you use your own modem?
Checked against Starry Internet's own policy on 2026-08-25 — Starry Internet's own page. Not paid by Starry Internet or any ISP — we track 39 ISPs and 39 named models (how we verify). Amazon links are affiliate.
Yes — Starry Internet allows customer-owned equipment, but publishes technical requirements rather than a list of approved devices. There is no modem to buy: Starry Internet supplies the terminating equipment and you choose the router behind it. Match every requirement below before you buy — a device that misses one will not activate.
- Connection
- fixed-wireless
- Verified
- 2026-08-25
Which routers does Starry Internet name?
Starry Internet names these models on its own page. They are the exact make and model strings published there as of 2026-08-25 — a sample of the list, not necessarily all of it.
- NETGEAR 4-Stream WiFi 6 RouterNo exact catalog match yet — opens a model-specific search.Search this model →
- NETGEAR Nighthawk 6-Stream Dual-Band WiFi 6 RouterNo exact catalog match yet — opens a model-specific search.Search this model →
- TP-Link Deco X55Our pickExact model matched in Amazon's catalog 2026-09-11.Wi-Fi 6 built-inPrice as ofSee price on Amazon →
- TP-Link Deco X20Amazon lists this exact model, but no new unit is sold there right now. The button opens a search for it.Wi-Fi 6 built-in · 6 Ethernet portsSearch this model →
- Your modemyou buy it, or you rent it
- Your ISP's networkthey decide what connects
- The internetthe part you actually want
Can I use my own modem with Starry Internet?
Yes. Starry Internet permits customer-owned equipment that meets its published requirements. In their words: for the ROUTER only, with conditions. "If you prefer to use your own router, there are a few things to keep in mind: The router must have a WAN port." Caveat stated: "Please note that Starry does not guarantee performance of non-Starry routers."
Can I use my own router with Starry Internet?
A standalone Wi-Fi router with a WAN port is what is permitted. A combined modem/router gateway is explicitly NOT permitted: "Starry Internet service does not work with router/modem combos." Starry's own routers: "All of Starry's WiFi routers are WiFi 6 compatible and fully integrated with our network." Recommendation: "We highly recommend using a WiFi 6 router."
What does Starry Internet not allow?
Verbatim: "It cannot be a router/modem combo or a DOCSIS router (router used for cable service). Starry Internet service does not work with router/modem combos."
Two boxes
- Modemtalks to the ISP line
- Routermakes the Wi-Fi
One box — a “gateway”
- Modem + routerone unit does both jobs
Where does this information come from?
Every statement on this page is quoted from Starry Internet's own published page:
Other providers to compare
Other fixed-wireless providers:Verizon 5G Home InternetRise BroadbandT-Mobile Home Internet
What a fixed-wireless install puts in your home:Rise Broadband equipment list